Jewish Members of Congress: Charles Schumer (Senator, New York)

Elected in 1998, Senator Charles E. "Chuck" Schumer is currently serving his second term. Schumer served previously in the New York Assembly from 1974-80 and in the US House of Representatives from 1980-1998. He is a strong leader in the fight against crime and co-authored the Assault Weapons Ban and the Brady Bill and sponsored and helped pass the Omnibus Crime Bill of 1994. Schumer is a tireless advocate for women's rights and authored the landmark Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and Violence Against Women Act, the first federal legislation protecting women against domestic abuse. He is a staunch supporter of Israel and maintaining a strong US-Israel relationship. Schumer is the vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, making him the fourth ranking Democrat in Congress. He serves on the Finance Committee, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Judiciary Committee and Rules Committee. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Iris Weinshall, and their daughters, Jessica and Alison.